22 October 2025

An ongoing citizen-science initiative at Lake Windermere has revealed its initial results, providing a snapshot of water quality and people’s attitude to the environment.

In September 2024, the Environment Agency launched a pilot project, Water Watch, to use Hello Lamp Post, an artificial intelligence tool, to collect citizen science data. This included data collection from two of Windermere’s excellent rated, designated Bathing Waters: Millerground Landing, and Rayrigg Meadow.

Interactive signage, including QR codes, was placed on fences, benches and walls. Smartphone users simply scan the code or text the number on the sign to share their findings and views, get information about local Bathing Waters and learn more about how to get involved in the Environment Agency’s citizen science work.   

The pilot which launched in September 2024, has allowed data and information to be captured both inside and outside of the Bathing Water season (15th May – 30th September), providing useful insights and information on water quality and use of the Bathing Waters throughout the year.

One year on, and with over 1,200 conversations recorded and 1,000 responses collected at Windermere, the findings reveal some key insights into visitor behaviours and perceptions.

When asked about their reasons for visiting, 53% of users of the platform said they came to enjoy the water, either for swimming or water sports such as kayaking.

Visitors also shared what they noticed during their time at the lake. Outside the Bathing Water season, 43% said they saw people using the water, while during the Bathing season, this rose to 85% — showing a clear increase in water activity during peak months. Of those who took part, 8% reported seeing something positive or special, including children enjoying the water and interesting wildlife.

Users interacting with Water Watch and answering Hello Lamp Post consisted of:

• 38% local residents
• 14% frequent visitors
• 50% occasional visitors

At other pilot sites, 97% of participants said it was essential or important to maintain a healthy environment, and 34% expressed interest in getting involved with citizen science initiatives in the future.

Throughout the pilot, platform users most commonly answered questions by the AI tool included:

• What is the water quality?
• What local citizen science initiatives can I get involved with?
• How do I report pollution?

Phase 1 of the project ran until the end of July 2025, at locations including Windermere and the Ribble at Edisford Bridge. Phase 2 of the project will see the continuation and development of the place-based signage, as well as the introduction of new locations (including Fell Foot at Windermere), and the development of a national conversation to allow anyone to get involved from their local water course. Visit the Environment Agency’s Supporting citizen science page to find out more.

Liz Cheslett- Davey, Environment Agency Area Citizen Science Lead and Catchment Coordinator, said:

“Windermere stands as one of the UK’s most famous natural wonders but beyond its tourism appeal, it is also vital to the local ecosystem, playing an essential role in biodiversity and water resources.

Whilst pollution in Windermere is reducing, more needs to be done. By working together with our Country’s fantastic citizen scientists, who care so passionately, we can get a vital snapshot of who visits these sites, what they observe and how this varies over time. Information from these conversations will also provide us with important data on water quality and any signs of pollution.”

The statistics collected through Hello Lamp Post will be used to supplement the data already gathered by the Environment Agency, as part of its monitoring programme. This will help to ensure that as much information as possible is used to inform water quality plans going forward.